'When he starts somewhere, it is to try to win' – Why Tadej Pogačar can win Paris-Roubaix

SANREMO ITALY MARCH 22 Tadej Pogacar of Slovenia and Team UAE Team Emirates competes during the 116th MilanoSanremo 2025 a 289km one day race from Pavia to Sanremo UCIWT on March 22 2025 in Sanremo Italy Photo by Dario BelingheriGetty Images
World champion Tadej Pogačar announced on Wednesday that he'll make his Paris-Roubaix debut at this year's race (Image credit: Getty Images)

UAE Team Emirates-XRG directeur sportif Fabio Baldato has shed light on the process behind Tadej Pogačar's decision to race Paris-Roubaix

The Italian, who raced Roubaix 12 times during his career, confirmed that the final decision was made just this week after Pogačar convinced or forced his team to let him race on the cobbles of northern France. 

Senior News Writer

Dani Ostanek is Senior News Writer at Cyclingnews, having joined in 2017 as a freelance contributor and later being hired full-time. Before joining the team, she had written for numerous major publications in the cycling world, including CyclingWeekly and Rouleur. She writes and edits at Cyclingnews as well as running newsletter, social media, and how to watch campaigns.

Dani has reported from the world's top races, including the Tour de France, Road World Championships, and the spring Classics. She has interviewed many of the sport's biggest stars, including Mathieu van der Poel, Demi Vollering, and Remco Evenepoel, and her favourite races are the Giro d'Italia, Strade Bianche and Paris-Roubaix.

Season highlights from 2024 include reporting from Paris-Roubaix –  'Unless I'm in an ambulance, I'm finishing this race' – Cyrus Monk, the last man home at Paris-Roubaix – and the Tour de France – 'Disbelief', gratitude, and family – Mark Cavendish celebrates a record-breaking Tour de France sprint win.

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